Magnetic socket device



June 5, 1962 J. 1.. BONANNO 3,038,139

MAGNETIC SOCKET DEVICE Filed June 13, 1958 INVENTOR dsi x/ Z. Bwm/v/vo WW W ATTORNEYS States Filed June 13, 1953, Ser. No. 741,879 4 Claims. (Cl. 339-12) This invention relates in general to an electrical contact socket and particularly to a new and useful electrical socket for apparatus having magnetizable terminals requiring electrical actuation, in which the apparatus is held in the socket by magnetism and without any mechanical clamping means.

The present invention finds particular application in the mounting of small lamps for electrical connections in devices such as toys. In accordance with the invention, there is provided two spaced magnetized electrical contact sockets to each of which is connected a separate electrical terminal for the electrical actuation of a part including the terminals placed across such contacts.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a magnetic-clamping electrical socket.

A further object of this invention is to provide an electrical socket which is simple in design, rugged in construction and economical to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a transverse section of an electrical lamp socket constructed in accordance with the invention and indicating a cylindrical type lamp thereabove;

FIG. 2 is a top plan of the socket shown in FIG. 1 and with the cylindrical lamp positioned within the magnetic socket terminals; and

FIG. 3 is an end view of the lamp and socket.

Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention as embodied therein includes an insulation mounting plate upon which is secured, as with adhesive, a pair of spaced socket shells 12 and 14. The socket shells 12 and 14 are provided with semi-cylindrical recesses 16 and 18, respectively, and they form terminals in an electrical circuit connected by wires 20 and 22, respectively.

In accordance with the invention a permanent magnet 24 is secured to the insulation plate 10 in a location bringing pole pieces 26 and 28 beneath shells 12 and 14, respectively. The pole pieces are held to the insulation plate as by rivets 31 and 32.

A device which is to be actuated electrically is then connected into the electrical circuit by placing one termi- 11211 in the shell 12 and the other terminal in the shell 14. In the present instance, the: cylindrical lamp 34, having end terminals 36 and 38 made of a magnetizable material, is connected in the electrical circuit by placing the terminals 36 and 38 in the recesses 16 and 18, respectively. When the lamp 34 is thus positioned, no other clamping means is required to retain the lamp in the socket recesses since the attractive force of the magnetic pole pieces 26 and 28 maintain the lamp thus positioned. In this respect, it will be noted that the recesses 16, 18 form surfaces for freely receiving the lamp terminals 36, 38, and upon which the lamp terminals 36, 38 are magnetically retained as opposed to the usual clamping retet:

tention of electric element terminals. The upwardly extending legs of the semi-cylindrical recesses 16, 18 are utilized to restrain lateral displacement of the lamp 34.

The present invention has particular application for small devices where the assembly of the parts of a lamp or other electrical apparatus must be made as rapidly as possible in order to minimize the cost. By eliminating clamping members and securing bolts and screws and substituting a permanent magnet it is possible to make a much less expensive electrical socket.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the invention principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from. such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. An electrical socket for an electrical element having spaced electrically conductive and magnetizable terminals, said socket comprising an insulated mounting plate, two spaced-apart and electrically conductive socket shells mounted on one side of said plate, said socket shells being formed for freely receiving the terminals of the electrical element and including portions for extending adjacent either side of the terminals for preventing lateral displacement thereof, each of said shells being electrically connected in a circuit, and a permanent magnet secured to said plate on the other side thereof and underlying said socket shells whereby to attract the terminals of the electrical element for retention on said shells for closing the circuit.

2. A socket according to claim 1, wherein said shells comprise semi-cylindrical recesses.

3. The combination of an electric lamp and socket therefor and comprising a substantially cylindrical lamp having substantially cylindrical magnetizable terminals at each end, an insulated mounting plate, a set of electrically conductive socket shells mounted on one side of said plate and spaced sufiiciently apart to receive said lamp terminals thereon, said socket shells being formed for freely receiving the terminals of the electrical element and including portions for extending adjacent either side of the terminals for preventing lateral displacement thereof, each of said socket shells being electrically connected in a circuit, and a permanent magnet mounted on said plate on the other side thereof and underlying said socket shells to attract the terminals of said lamp and maintain said lamp in said socket shells.

4. An electrical socket for an electrical element having spaced electrically conductive and magnetizable terminals, said socket comprising two spaced open top socket members spaced and formed for freely receiving the terminals of the electrical element means for electrically energizing said socket members, and magnetic means on the opposite side of said socket members from the open top portion arranged to attract the terminals of the electrical element and maintain it in position thereon for electrical connection.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,293,594 Willey Feb. 4, 1919 2,170,287 Kinnebrew Aug. 22, 1939 2,414,653 Loockholder Jan. 21, 1947 2,709,245 Schneider May 24, 1955 2,742,619 Buquor Apr. 17, 1956 2,764,747 Modrey Sept. 25, 1956 2,788,501 Buquor et a1 Apr. 9, "1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 149,822 Great Britain Aug. 26, 1920 

